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Grow a square watermelon

by watermelon on January 29, 2008 Table of Contents License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Grow a square watermelon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 1: Materials and tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 2: Cut the stem pass through . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 3: Add first set of hinges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 4: Trim the inset sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 5: Fasten sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 6: Do the bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 7: Add the clasps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 8: Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 9: Addendum: How to grow a watermelon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 8

http://www.instructables.com/id/Grow-a-square-watermelon/

License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) Intro: Grow a square watermelon
This is really, really easy to do. (Note: you may be able to use this technique to grow other stuff in the form of a square ( actually in the form of a cube ) and apply the general idea to other shapes.)

Image Notes 1. I'm ready for the next earthquake.

step 1: Materials and tools

You need 6, 8" square, 3/8" thick (or thicker) sheets of polycarbonate plastic. (Lexan) You will need 4 gate hinges and 2 hinged clasps with flat head machine screws and hex nuts plus at least 8 or more 1" to 1-1/2" long, thin wood screws and possibly a 36" length of angle iron or aluminum angle (cut to 8" lengths to yield four pieces) if you have thinner polycarbonate, a power drill and hole saw, and a hand saw or power saw such as a jig saw.

Image Notes 1. Hinged clasp 2. Wood screw 3. hole and slit for stem 4. polycarbonate sheet (Lexan)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Grow-a-square-watermelon/

step 2: Cut the stem pass through

In the first sheet drill a 1" diameter hole in the center with the drill and hole saw. Then, using a hand or power saw, cut 2 parallel lines from the hole perpendicular to one edge of the sheet and remove the material between.

Image Notes 1. Passageway for stem 2. The slot can be the same width as the hole. Be careful not to make either too big - but just big enough to fit the stem.

step 3: Add first set of hinges

Use a box to rest the left side sheet, place the top sheet left edge over the left side sheet edge and fasten the sheets together as shown in the diagram with 2 hinges.

Image Notes 1. First sheet rests on top of second sheet and the other side sheets. 2. Use flat head machine screws with a counter-sink hole drilled on the inside of the plastic and hex nuts on outside top of the hinge. (See next picture of screw.)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Grow-a-square-watermelon/

step 4: Trim the inset sides

Measure the width of the sheets and trim each side of the the inset sides by this width.

step 5: Fasten sides

The edges of the inset sides will have to be trimmed the thickness of the poly you use so they can be inset and still keep the box square. Trimming these edges is probably the hardest step. Drill pilot holes through edge of the left and right sheets into side sheets between them to accept the wood screws. Use 2 or more screws per joined edge. A piece of angle iron or aluminum can be used to beef up the corners if the polycarbonate you have is too thin. (If the poly is too thin, however, it may bulge.)

Image Notes 1. You can also connect the sides together if your polycarbonate is too thin for screws by using pieces of angle iron or aluminum, but watch out, if your sides are too thin they will budge. 2. One of the two Inset sides that you trimmed.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Grow-a-square-watermelon/

step 6: Do the bottom

Place the box on its top, add the last sheet for the bottom and secure with hinges as you did the top.

Image Notes 1. Box upside down - bottom hinges 2. Box upside down - top hinges

step 7: Add the clasps

Clasps go opposite the hinges on the top and bottom sheets.

Image Notes 1. Box upside down - bottom hinges 2. Box upside down - Top hinges 3. hinged clasp opposite top hinges 4. hinged clasp opposite bottom hinges

http://www.instructables.com/id/Grow-a-square-watermelon/

step 8: Usage
Plant watermelons. As soon they begin to grow large enough to place them in the box with the stem through the slit and hole, do so. Remove when ripe.

Image Notes 1. I am here as the result of family planting after my great, great, great, great, great, great... grandmother was killed in the Earthquake of 1995 when she rolled out of the frig and smashed on the floor.... 2. Just as I get another label stuck on one of these babes ... here comes another one with a handful of cash.

Image Notes 1. We were selling for 10,000 Yen in June 22, 2001. That's $82.00 USD each! 2. I'm gonna be rich!

step 9: Addendum: How to grow a watermelon

How to plant your watermelon Watermelons come in about 1,200 varieties worldwide, divided according to season and seed production. China is by far the worlds largest grower of watermelon. Growing time is from 70 to 85 days for all varieties and growing season begins when all danger of frost has past. Watermelons can be grown indoors anytime of year but require extra amounts of space and constant temperature between 80 and 85 deg. F. Seeds for seedlings to be transplanted outdoors may be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Seeds are planted one inch deep in groups of 3 and seedlings thinned to the best 1 or 2 for planting. You can use this method with peat or potting soil to start seeds indoors. Seedless varieties must be planted alongside seed producing varieties in order to pollinate and set the fruit. Hills for single transplants are spaced 2 to 3 feet apart while double transplants are spaced 4 to 5 feet apart. Rows are spaced 7 to 10 feet apart. How to tell when your watermelon is ripe Use black plastic to cover the hills and rows and plant through the plastic. Drip irrigation is sometimes used sparingly in cooler climates. Use a combination of the following indicators to determine when your watermelons are ripe: 1. light green, curly tendrils on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon usually turn brown and dry; 2. the surface color of the fruit turns dull; 3. the skin becomes resistant to penetration by the thumbnail and is rough to the touch; and 4. the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to a yellowish color. Many watermelons do not emit the proverbial "dull thud"when ripe. For these, the dull thud may indicate an over-ripe, mushy melon. The above indicators for choosing a ripe watermelon are therefore much more reliable than "thumping" the melon with a knuckle. Source: University of Illinois Extension Service

http://www.instructables.com/id/Grow-a-square-watermelon/

Image Notes 1. I picked up these two varieties sold at the Home Depot. The one on the right looks like its the one for the job but maybe the one on the left is sweeter...

Image Notes 1. This will probably work

Image Notes 1. Dang! Look its started growing before I even planted it. ;D

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How To Make A Watermelon Basket by hipgirl

Growing Square Watermelons for $8 by royalestel

Watermelon Slicer by UbiquitousM

Tap a Watermelon! or How to Make a Watermelon Keg by

Mini Ornaments - Tomato Hors D'houerves by wanamoka

Hack a Watermelon! by ventsi

Rice Krispie Treat Watermelon by bwente

Melon Brains by scoochmaroo

http://www.instructables.com/id/Grow-a-square-watermelon/

ModMischief
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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 223 comments

Kofoed says:
god, that looks so cool :D

Jun 22, 2010. 8:34 AM REPLY

mikeyx says:
I like watermelon :P

Jun 10, 2010. 12:33 AM REPLY

I died with my head in a washing machine says:

me too ! :)

Jun 17, 2010. 2:30 AM REPLY

I died with my head in a washing machine says:

I read about these in an old magazine witch was about 20 years old so its not exactly a new idea :)

Nov 1, 2009. 4:05 AM REPLY

mavr1ck1 says:

Jun 12, 2010. 12:49 PM REPLY So what. Writer didn't say it was original, just described how to grow it square. Why would you want to tear them down, it makes you look small and weak.

p88lux says:

Nov 2, 2009. 8:34 AM REPLY True.. Disneyland grow their cucumbers in the shape of mickey mouses head.. seen on the travel channel a few months ago..

I died with my head in a washing machine says:

cool :)

Jan 25, 2010. 5:15 AM REPLY

paperclip32 says:
They had mouse candy apples too,but not grown like this.They just used marshmallows for ears.Still good though.

Jun 11, 2010. 8:34 AM REPLY

indestructibleguy says:
would it work with apples? then you would cut a small cube from inside an fill it with caramel and chocolate syrup... hmmm....

Jun 9, 2010. 6:18 PM REPLY

paperclip32 says:
I think if you made this box and put a pipe on the middle,you'd have a holed fruit of which you can stuff.

Jun 11, 2010. 8:33 AM REPLY

indestructibleguy says:
will the fruit grow around it?

Jun 12, 2010. 8:16 AM REPLY

madmada says:
lol, reminds me of the time 'homer' brought a square watermelon in the episode when they went to japan :)

Jun 11, 2010. 12:27 AM REPLY

Ward_Nox says:
you tried it with pumpkins?

Jun 10, 2010. 2:24 PM REPLY

Vladimyr says:

Jun 10, 2010. 10:28 AM REPLY There's another really cool Instructable for doing something similar with gourds. Check it out!! http://www.instructables.com/id/Portrait-Gourds-Grown-inMolds/ Very cool, btw.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Grow-a-square-watermelon/

gameboy7oa says:
What's next?!?! You should totaly make a oval shaped watermelon!!! It would be one of a kind!

Jun 9, 2010. 7:22 PM REPLY

pyro1324 says:
or a house shaped!

Jun 10, 2010. 9:00 AM REPLY

Ikedog1995 says:
you're a genius!!!

Jun 9, 2010. 10:51 PM REPLY

axlrose says:
That is so awesome how you can grow square watermelon and sell them for $82.00

Feb 22, 2008. 5:21 PM REPLY

bFusion says:
Yeah, but you have to live in Japan for that to happen. Everything, large fruit especially, is expensive over there.

Jun 10, 2010. 5:22 AM REPLY

austin says:
Cant wait to try this when i have a kid, they are gonna be so Cubic!

Jun 9, 2010. 6:44 PM REPLY

prodo123 says:
E-Z Storage? lol

Jun 9, 2010. 4:33 PM REPLY

adamantchese says:
i swear this reminds me sooo much of the watermelon blocks from super mario sunshine. epic instructable by the way!

Jun 9, 2010. 4:03 PM REPLY

kcls says:

Jun 9, 2010. 2:10 PM REPLY I can see it now- instead of a watermelon, grow a pumpkin in a cube shape. Then, carve a Domo-Kun face on it. Voila! Domo-Kun Jack-O-Lantern.
I've got dibs on the 'ible.

omnibot says:
Do it!

Jun 9, 2010. 2:16 PM REPLY

kcls says:
Gotta wait until I have a garden to grow it in! Living on a boat and all, I don't have a very big yard :D

Jun 9, 2010. 2:22 PM REPLY

Hiroak says:

Jun 9, 2010. 3:55 PM REPLY I'm on a boat Motherfu Ha ha very orginal I know I lived on a boat, the sail type for 2 years and build floating garden boxes out of blue foam board. I had a slip larger than my boat so I just attached them to the dock. Then I got a bigger boat and build two above ground planter boxes on the deck. I even tried to grow an orange tree, to combat the scurvy but I live in Alaska.

corey_caffeine says:
you do, it's just REALLY flooded

Jun 9, 2010. 3:01 PM REPLY

xenor says:
So... rice?

Jun 9, 2010. 10:50 PM REPLY

corey_caffeine says:
exactly

Jun 10, 2010. 1:31 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Grow-a-square-watermelon/

jhonny says:
This is a cool idea. I'm gonna try to grow an orange in a bottle.

Mar 4, 2010. 8:20 PM REPLY

Rihanna says:

Feb 12, 2010. 11:43 AM REPLY Hi.I`m a plant protection and wanna grow watermelon in cube shape but i have some problem to make box.could you help me and give me more information about step 1?

yiumanwan says:
does it taste diffrent like sweetness

Jun 7, 2008. 10:48 PM REPLY

Zaphod Beeblebrox says:

nope exactly the same exept shape

Dec 30, 2009. 6:41 AM REPLY

ReCreate says:
Wow how did you make large text??

Oct 7, 2009. 3:29 PM REPLY

Derin says:
<h1>like this i guess</h1>

Nov 1, 2009. 2:26 AM REPLY

ReCreate says:
Hmmm...no...

Nov 1, 2009. 12:18 PM REPLY

qballcat says:
Hmmm....yes. you just do it in the instructable, not on the comments.

Mar 16, 2010. 4:44 PM REPLY

knektek says:
TRIANGULAR WARERMELONS! :)

Dec 20, 2009. 9:26 AM REPLY

hshook says:
This is SO cool! But, it's kinda really weird. It's not natural, either! HAHAHA

Dec 19, 2009. 9:05 PM REPLY

l96470fps says:
cool, maybe a square pumpkin?

Nov 2, 2009. 9:12 AM REPLY

Taoiseach says:
You could sell the watermelons and also sell seeds, claiming they'll grow into square watermelons.

Nov 1, 2009. 12:58 PM REPLY

Ideal_Ideas91 says:
It Looks Like Those Melons From Super Mario Sunshine

Jun 14, 2009. 10:07 PM REPLY

boblordofmonkeys says:
ya i know

Oct 6, 2009. 3:59 PM REPLY

ReCreate says:
I'm gonna try this on some pumpkins and squash...

Jun 20, 2009. 9:35 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Grow-a-square-watermelon/

boblordofmonkeys says:
cool jack o lanterns

Oct 3, 2009. 9:10 PM REPLY

ReCreate says:
haha brilliant!

Oct 3, 2009. 9:25 PM REPLY

boblordofmonkeys says:
ya i thought so thank you

Oct 4, 2009. 10:56 AM REPLY

ReCreate says:
haha yeah! :D

Oct 4, 2009. 2:15 PM REPLY

boblordofmonkeys says:
It will be cool

Oct 4, 2009. 4:07 PM REPLY

ReCreate says:
Yeah it would.

Oct 4, 2009. 4:44 PM REPLY

view all 223 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/Grow-a-square-watermelon/